Study 3: Investigating Cognitive and Behavioural Mechanisms Underlying Social Vulnerability in Children with ADHD

This study aims to investigate potential cognitive and behavioural predictors of social vulnerability (i.e., difficulty in recognising and avoiding harmful interpersonal situations) among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD are known to experience notable challenges in emotion regulation and executive functioning, alongside difficulties in attachment security, social competence, emotional intelligence, and theory of mind. Therefore, these areas of difficulty will be examined as possible predictors of social vulnerability in this population. Furthermore, ADHD commonly presents with other comorbidities that negatively impact psychosocial functioning. These include autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression. Understanding how these comorbidities are associated with social vulnerability, above and beyond ADHD symptoms alone, will allow for a better understanding of which children are most at risk for psychosocial difficulties.